“Ally,” Rose said. “You don’t really want to go down that path, do you?”
“I’ve been a good girl all my life,” Alexandra said. “I’m tired of wondering what it’s like. I want to be kissed.”
“Yes, it would be heavenly, wouldn’t it,” Rose agreed dreamily.
“It’s not all that much,” Lily said.
“Lily, you haven’t been kissed!” Alexandra stood. “Do tell all!”
“I knew it!” Rose said. “Why didn’t you tell me? Wentworth stole one, didn’t he?”
“Yes, just once, last Christmas,” Lily said. “But it was nothing. His lips were pasty and clammy. If that’s kissing, I need no part of it.”
“Any kiss is better than nothing.” Alexandra closed her eyes. “I’m quite envious.”
“Darling Ally, please don’t be. And you are welcome to Teddy if you want him. He’s Thomas’s age, and he’s not too bad to look at, although his hair is receding. He does have nice hands and a good strong build. Not the smartest peacock, but he’s got a sizeable fortune.”
“He sounds fine. Introduce us, will you, Lily?”
“I’d be delighted, if he’s here. But if he’s not, there will certainly be better prospects to choose from, especially for a girl as pretty as you with your vivacious personality.”
“What about Sophie?” Alexandra asked.
“There will be plenty for Sophie as well. And for Rose.”
“And for you too, Lily,” Rose said.
“I am definitely not concerned about that.” Lily embraced her cousins again. “I’m so glad you two are here. The four of us are going to have such fun. Now, about tomorrow. There’s a lawn party scheduled for the ladies after luncheon. What do you say that we sneak off and explore the estate a bit?”
“I don’t know, Lily,” Sophie said, nibbling on her lower lip.
“The men will be gone on a hunt all day,” Lily continued.
“No men at the lawn party?” Alexandra scoffed. “Then count me in.”
“All right, Lily,” Rose agreed. “It might be fun.”
“If the three of you are game, so am I,” Sophie said.
* * *
Lily found, to her dismay, that the Wentworths were indeed at Laurel Ridge, and just her unfortunate luck, she was seated next to Theodore Wentworth at dinner. At least he was better than his lecherous uncle, Lord Ludley. On her other side sat Lord Victor Polk, whose height and silky auburn hair identified him as Alexandra’s dashing knight. Thomas was seated across from her, between Regina Wentworth and a thin blond woman whom Lily did not recognize.
Both Wentworth and Polk took care of Lily, filling her wine glass and keeping the conversation lively as they feasted on Beluga caviar, vegetable chowder, poached cod, roast goose with apple-and-raisin dressing, creamed carrots and peas, and kidney pudding.
Polk’s attentions flattered Lily. He was attractive and much more intelligent than Wentworth.
“I would be honored, Lady Lily,” he said, “if you would save dance for me at the ball.”
“Of course. I would be delighted.”
“The delight will be mine, I assure you. Tell me, where has Ashford been hiding you?”
“Hiding me?”
“I would remember you had we met before. I’ve seen your father and brother at many galas over the past few years.”
“I’m afraid my father and brother are both quite protective. This will be my first season.”